Dihydroergotamine User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Migranal, Trudhesa, D.H.E. 45

Dihydroergotamine has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 45 reviews on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 23% reported a negative experience.

Condition	Avg. Rating	Reviews	Compare
Migraine	6.7	37 reviews for Migraine	89 medications
Cluster Headaches	8.8	8 reviews for Cluster Headaches	28 medications
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Reviews for Dihydroergotamine

Anonymous
February 3, 2011

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I give it a 10 because I was about to jump off a bridge in order to break the 18 day migraine I had up until this morning. It took 3 days of Migranal but I am FINALLY through the pain. I tried two rounds of steriods, Maxalt up to 3x's/day for 2 weeks, and FINALLY this worked. Although I am cautiously optimistic, this is the longest I have gone in 18 days without the debilitating pain that became so severe I was willing to go to very extreme measures to get it to stop. Thank goodness my Neurologist thought of it."

10 / 10

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39 Report

jaxnc...
July 17, 2013

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I have been suffering from migraines for about 2 years now. I've tried a few different prescription pills and I've suffered from horrible side effects from each one. I was to the point where I felt almost hopeless because I couldn't do anything to relieve the pain when I would get migraines. My neurologist prescribed me Migrainal last month and I've had 3 horrible migraines since then. Each time I have used Migrainal within 30 minutes they are gone and I feel great and not defeated by the horrible migraine. I definitely would recommend and consider this a miracle!"

10 / 10

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29 Report

Anonymous
January 18, 2012

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I have been getting severe migraines for more than 25 years. 99% of the time they would result in a trip to the ER for a few injections - since I can't keep anything in my stomach, pills were not a solution. Suppositories to control the vomiting so that I could take pills only made me more miserable - in other ways - and offered little to no benefit. Last year my neurologist prescribed Migranal Nasal Spray. Wow. What a life changer! Within 30 minutes I am good to go with little to no remaining headache. There isn't even enough time for the vomiting to start. I really want to spread the word on this to other migraine sufferers. It has been an amazing solution for me."

10 / 10

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29 Report

Frequently asked questions

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Anonymous
Taken for 1 to 2 years
September 24, 2012

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "Taste in mouth, burning in throat, stuffy nose and nausea which all passed after an hour. Medication effective within 60-90 minutes. Very effective and less expensive than a trip to ER to receive DHE intravenously. TAKE A ZOFRAN!"

9 / 10

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27 Report

JLHelm
June 1, 2013

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "This medication is a miracle for me! I have had migraines for 26 years and tried just about everything. My neurologist prescribed this in an attempt to get rid of a 3 week migraine. I took the spray as directed and within an hour I was headache free. I have no side effects, no bad taste, nothing. It is truly my miracle!"

10 / 10

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22 Report

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MNWalsh
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
December 27, 2013

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "My Doctor prescribed me Migranal earlier this year. I've had migraines since I was 6 and have never found anything that helps this much. I prefer the pill I can take over the spray. I've been to the ER before and they give me DHE (Migranal) in an I.V shot and it's magic. Look into this if you need help."

8 / 10

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19 Report

miche...
April 5, 2008

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "Works well to treat migraines but you really need to rest after taking. I get an unpleasant burning sensation in nose, sinuses and throat, but still worth taking. Also, the bottle is a pain in the butt to assemble - especially when you have a migraine. I have frequent severe migraines (about 4 times a week) and this medicine is helpful although my dr. said it should not be used more than twice a week. I am allergic to all the triptans, so this medicine has been a good alternative treatment."

8 / 10

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24 Report

owka4u
Taken for 10 years or more
March 26, 2014

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I have Celiac disease and one of the side effects are migraines that use to last 3 or days until I found DHE 45 which was 1st done by IV. After that I was prescribed the shots until the nasal spray came out. After 15 years of research on my own I have come to the conclusion that either Celiac or other allergens are the prime cause of migraines that last more then 24 hours and maybe those as well; for these conditions cause swelling in every cell in the body including the neurons. I hope this helps others who suffer from the debilitating pain caused by these episodes."

10 / 10

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17 Report

NYCgi...
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
March 30, 2023

Trudhesa (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I've been using Trudhesa for about one year and it works! Previously used Imitrex/sumatriptan nasal spray for 15+ years but that went right down my throat and sometimes the headache came back. The Trudhesa device does the work - don't need to inhale or tilt your head back. If the first spray doesn't work in 45 mins, I take another 2 from the same vial and I'm set. My neuro explained that it's such a little amount of DHE and it's safe."

10 / 10

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3 Report

RobinR
February 21, 2012

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "My neurologist prescribed the Migranal for me last year when I got into a 2 mth long migraine that was seeming to be impossible to break. I'm also on Nortryptiline and Atenolol as preventatives and the Migranal is for PRN usage. (as needed) As someone else said, this drug does seem to work the best if you use it at the first sign of migraine. If you wait until your migraine is fully set in, it doesn't seem to work all that well. The downside to the medicine is that is does leave a terrible taste in your mouth, your throat burns, and your nose gets stuffed up. But compared the to severe pain of a migraine, I guess it's worth it. The worst part about it though is the COST."

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ashub...
January 16, 2009

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I have migraines usually 3 to 5 times a week and my neurologist gave me this medicine. I am also taking propranolol and have not noted any side effects. I have found that for me it works best when taken at first signs of a migraine. If I take it when I already have a migraine it doesn't work. There is a little nausea afterward but a little food helps. It's a very effective treatment and no rebound headaches."

9 / 10

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20 Report

Dont...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
November 28, 2016

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "This drug DAMN near killed me.. took as prescribed with in minutes I was confused and lost consciousness.. ended up in the ED . Woke up the next day with my face swollen double its size and having no idea what happened to me... DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION!!!"

1 / 10

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11 Report

Honey
January 27, 2012

D.H.E. 45 (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I've been experiencing migraines for over 30 years. I started injecting DHE 9 days ago and haven't had a single migraine. This hasn't happened since I started getting migraines and I've been on many medications including Botox. I don't expect to never get another migraine but I'm enjoying this time while it lasts. I do believe that the DHE will control my migraines and keep them to a minimum which has never been done before. I normally average 25 migraines a month. If DHE can reduce my migraines to once a week, I'll be thrilled."

10 / 10

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14 Report

Maria...
January 23, 2016

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I had chronic severe migraines almost daily for 25 years. Some things have sort of worked; most not. Botox made an enormous difference in my headaches. I have been using Migranal for breakthrough headaches and life is very much better. This year, Migranal, nor its generic (which are made by the same company??), are covered under my insurance. I have Medicare, and I receive Social Security Disability. The generic cost is more than my whole SSD check. MY neurologist and pharmacists are out of suggestions. They say maybe I can ask for Patient Assistance Coverage, which almost always is only given to people who already have some kind of drug coverage. Or maybe the doctor can give me samples. I am horrified."

7 / 10

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9 Report

Catal...
July 1, 2014

For Migraine "If you suffer from an anxiety disorder or depression, I would be very cautious with this medication. I suffer from chronic migraines and anxiety and depression, and was given DHE on multiple occasions for my acute migraines. As soon as the medication entered my body, I felt restless and anxious. Within 2 minutes, I was having a full-on panic attack; I was completely terrified even though I knew I was entirely safe. The horror consumed me & I lost my perspective and was convinced that I would feel that way for the rest of my life. I felt so hopeless that I couldn't bring myself to ask the doctor for help. It did help with the acute head pain, but it left me so terrified and anxious that I was back in the ER within 2 days for another migraine"

1 / 10

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9 Report

sherr...
September 3, 2009

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "Migranal Nasal Spray seems to have helped the migraine (within the 24 hours, not quickly). However, the muscle pain was tremendous for 48 hours following taking the 1st & 2nd doses. I changed from Triptans because of the muscle pain, but the pain with the Migranal is worse. I will try it one more time, but if the after effect (excruciating muscle pain, especially in my legs and feet) are as bad as my first experience, I will stop."

6 / 10

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Anna...
February 13, 2018

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Cluster Headaches "I was told about this medicine from an older friend whom had horrible, debilitating migraines all her life and was light and sound sensitive. I would lock myself in a room and hope for it to pass. I was prescribed migranol. The active ingredient is actually a fungus. It has been around since ancient Roman times. (look it up..pretty interesting ) yes, the mark up is somewhere between 250%, the insurance pays $4,500 for 8 bottles. Yes, there is "No" generic and the company that makes it is from France. Yes, if you take it incorrectly, you will taste it in your mouth and swallow it. Please read the instructions all the way!!! Take in the first 5 minutes of a migraine..it will be less effective if it's a full blown migraine. Takes my migraine away about 75%. No high(unless mixed with other drugs), no drowsy or lingering effects. I will continue to take unless my insurance says no more. Important stick to the dose and don't go over as the toxic effects are dangerous - but its not toxic at correct dose."

9 / 10

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Susan...
October 23, 2012

D.H.E. 45 (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I have had migraines for 30 years. In the last year and a half they went from 15 day/month to practically every day. Triptans do not work as an abortive for me. Propananol is the only preventative thus far that has worked - but it stopped working after 4 weeks. My neurologist prescribed DHE in the injectible form. I do not like the little glass vials the DHE comes in, breaking them open, and using the syringe. That said, almost every time I use it, it breaks the migraine. Unfortunately, it does not always last more than 4-6 hours. I can get this at my local CVS (though they don't carry it in stock). I don't notice any side-effects but I generally take a nap afterward to let it do it's thing."

9 / 10

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9 Report

AZ ill
Taken for 10 years or more
May 3, 2015

For Migraine "Hi All, Is there anyone else who has experienced a huge increase in cost for DHE mesylate (injectable vial)? I have injected with DHE 45 and now DHE mesylate for 17 yrs since my brain aneurysm rupture and clipping. As of Jan 2015 United Health Insurance along with Optum RX have raised my cost from $25 for a 90 day supply to $1500 to $1700 and this is my cost. Unable to afford this medication any longer I am left helpless. thanks for any input regarding similar price hikes."

6 / 10

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Mainah
February 20, 2020

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "Triptans unfortunately stopped working for me so, I decided to try this. First time I took it cut down my migraine by about 50%. Second time cut it down about 90%! Even helped my neck pain. Slight break through pain but much better. I just hope it keeps working! Only side effects I’ve noticed are tiredness and bad taste. Much better than a migraine."

8 / 10

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Macki...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
July 30, 2022

D.H.E. 45 (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "I have chronic migraine, and DHE-45 IM has been one of the most effective rescue medications for me. It has helped stop a migraine attack within a half hour (post-injection) for me. I did not seem to experience any adverse effects from this medication, but am aware others have noted nausea as a prominent potential side effect. Another plus for me is even one injection (of 1 ml) can often keep a migraine at bay/away for over a day. Medication Overuse or Rebound Headaches are not as much of a concern with this, either (vs. Triptan rescue medications). Assembling everything necessary to inject this can be challenging during a migraine attack. It also comes packaged in glass vials; I have found that putting a (Bic-type) ballpoint pen cap over top of the vial before “snapping” the glass lid off can be really helpful to accomplish this in a cleaner, safer, and easier way. Worth the extra work for me!"

8 / 10

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Brand...
July 4, 2014

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Cluster Headaches "I have suffered with clusters for the last 20 years. Every time I've been prescribed something that works, the FDA finds a negative reason to stop production. Migranal seems to work really well, but the price is ridiculous!! My pharmacist requests that I only get it at the end of the month due to his cost. Now my insurance cost on it is being raised. Go figure....."

9 / 10

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7 Report

davis...
Taken for less than 1 month
April 6, 2018

D.H.E. 45 (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "My daughter received this medication through IV while in the hospital. Within 15 minutes after receiving the fifth dose her vision became significantly altered. We demanded subsequent doses be stopped. She now has 20/200 near vision and slightly altered far vision. At age 13 she stared wearing bifocals. Her ophthalmologist now has after two years without improvement determined that DHE caused her significantly impaired vision. Please be aware of this side effect prior to taking this drug."

1 / 10

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Laurel...
October 8, 2019

Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine "This is my first dose of Migranal. I just went to a new neurologist this morning and he gave me a sample. I have a slightly funny taste in my mouth but I think it's because my nose is stuffed from the Migranal. No signs of the horrible migraine monster yet, and the first signs of it have stopped. I get debilitatingly severe migraine headaches with panic/anxiety attacks. Triptans have not been reliable and I cannot afford to pay for a trip to the ER that many times a week. So far so good, nausea and stuffy, but that's a vacation to one of my headaches!"

9 / 10

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Pwrna...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
October 29, 2016

D.H.E. 45 (dihydroergotamine) for Cluster Headaches "For me with Chronic Cluster Migraines the Dihydroergotamine injections eliminates the migraine within 30 minutes and is best. I also use cold neck pack, keep in the freezer, and Oxygen, I have an oxygen generator set at 6 ml. I used to use Migranal, similar side. Migranal is not covered by Medicare/AARP United Healthcare ($500 retail each),but DHE45 is. Preferred plan appears to have best benefits but still expensive. Instead of 1 ml dose, I cut back to .35 ml and get 3 shots from each ampule, still works great for me. I fill 3 needles and keep available. DHE not available due to manuf shortage (Valient) until Jan, 2017 and they are only supplier. Waiting 2 months will be difficult so I have to ration."

10 / 10

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5 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.